Here are the winners of the Diversity Charter Sweden Awards 2026

Three companies have been named winners of the Diversity Charter Sweden Awards 2026. The awards recognise courageous and successful initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The prizes were presented at the Signatory Event in Stockholm on 29 September.

The aim of the Diversity Charter Sweden Awards is to highlight organisations that are leading the way with concrete initiatives that make a real difference to people in workplaces across Sweden. Swedbank wins in the ‘Long-term Focus’ category for its work on gender equality, which has evolved from isolated initiatives into an integral part of how the bank manages, recruits and develops its leaders. Over the past ten years, the proportion of women in Group management has risen from 32 to 47 per cent. The ‘Long-term Perspective’ category highlights initiatives which, over time, have strengthened inclusion and linked it to business or operational benefits.

Apotek Hjärtat has won an award for the ‘Vänvård’ project in the ‘Innovation’ category. As part of the project, staff were offered the opportunity to nurture friendships during paid working hours, together with a financial contribution intended for friendship-building activities. ‘Friendship care’ is described as a way of tackling involuntary loneliness and stands out amongst employers’ staff benefits. In the ‘Innovation’ category, the organisation that has solved a challenge in an innovative way is recognised.

Ambea has won the Special Award 2026 category for its work in creating pathways into employment for people who are far removed from the labour market. Since 2016, the company has welcomed nearly 3,000 people into various labour market initiatives and established structures to promote inclusion, including through more than 450 trained mentors and around 150 language support officers. This year’s Special Prize 2026 category has the theme ‘An inclusive labour market for all’, in line with the EU’s Diversity Month 2026.